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Sergio Pérez is convinced that a problem with steering caused his crash during the first qualifying session in Monaco on Saturday, although the Sauber team has been unable to find any fault.

Accident damage made it hard to determine whether something had gone wrong before the crash, and there were no clues in the data, according to chief designer Matt Morris--who added that Pérez could well have qualified in the top five.

Morris also confirmed to Autoweek that the team had checked the car after a morning-practice clash with Pastor Maldonado and was satisfied that if anything did happen with the steering in qualifying, it was not as a result of that collision.

Pérez didn't post a time and will start the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday from the back of the grid.

“We are analyzing what is the problem; the car just went straight,” said Pérez. “Already in the tunnel, I had a lot of understeer, which was a big surprise. It normally doesn't happen there. I went into turn 13 and in 14, and I tried to turn and the car went completely straight.

“There was definitely a problem with the car, but we don't know what's the problem. It's a big shame because we were so competitive, and it was a big opportunity for us today.”

Pérez is resigned to a difficult race on Sunday: “It's very difficult to pass here, but I will try my best here to bring some points home, which will be a big challenge tomorrow. If it's a normal race, it will be over for us.”